The most important first step in having us create your website is a site map. This isn't a graphical image or visual map - it is simply a text outline of the pages you need for your website, and general descriptions of what will go on them.
Because our cost estimates are tailored specifically to you, we require your site map in order to give you an estimate for our services.
In the beginning stages, your site map doesn't have to be written in stone. It often is simply a first draft that changes as we progress with the development of your website.
We don't need to know which pages will link to others at this point. We're just looking for general descriptions for now.
Web pages may contain unlimited paragraphs of plain text, so the "scroll down" length is unlimited. (Please note: not all website designers define their web pages this way. If you're not having us design your site, please check with your own designer for their preferences.)
not sure how to define your own pages?
Consider these ideas:
- What information do you want to get across to your website visitors? How could you break it down into "bite-size pieces"?
- Most websites have About and Contact pages - do you want those?
- Would a Products section apply to your website?
- Look on the left side of the webpage you're on right now. What would the menu for your own site look like?
- What general topics of information will go on your site?
- Search online for websites of others in your field and see what they've got on their websites. That may help you figure out what you want on yours.
feel like you could use some help?
If you're still stuck, a consultation might be the answer for you. We'd love to devote some time with you to help you discover your needs and wishes for your website, even when you don't have a clue what they are!
how to create your site map
To begin, simply list each page title or section on the left, then add a general description or the purpose of the page on the right.
If your site will have sections with identical page layouts but different information on each page (i.e. online store pages), list only one entry for the entire section, not each individual page.
Example: www.yourdomain.com
| Home page | Introduction of what we do, and images of our products |
| Product pages | 20 pages - image, description and order button on each page |
| Customer Care page | How to contact us, terms and conditions, shipping policies |
| Articles pages | List of 7 articles, and each article on it's own page |
| What's New blog | Weblog |
| Link Directory | Automated listings and submissions that I can approve/deny |
| About Us page | About our company and staff, with 2 photos of each person |
There is space on our cost estimate form for you to include your site map for us. If you need more room, we welcome you to email your site map as text in the body of an email or in a text document.
© 2009 Renée Deakin. All rights reserved. Copying of this article in any form by any means, mechanical or electric, is strictly prohibited without express permission from Earth Spirit Creations. You may link back to this webpage, as long as full credit is given to author. Contact us for more information.